EP1344722B1 - Single portion cartridge for the preparation of a beverage - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a portion capsule with a particulate extractable by water substance for the preparation of a beverage according to the preamble of claim 1.

A portion capsule of the aforementioned type is known from EP 1 101 430 AT or US-A 2,778,379.

EP 1 101 430 A1 discloses a beverage filter capsule system which has a graduated portion capsule. The capsule has several steps, which serve to support a filter element or a porous membrane. Between the filter element and the membrane of the beverage powder is added. Both between the cover and the filter element and between the bottom and the membrane remains a gap which is provided for laterally introducing an inlet pipe or a drain pipe.

From US-A 2,778,739 a multi-part portion capsule is known. This consists of a cup-shaped capsule housing, in the bottom of a metal-made insert is used. The top is closed by means of a welded lid. The said insert has a round outer and a subsequent on the inside central recess. The central depression is deeper than the outer one and can receive a piercing means with which the bottom of the capsule is pierced. The piercing means also serves to supply the brewing water. The insert has a plurality of openings through which the brewing water can flow into the interior of the capsule. For piercing the capsule lid Aufstechfinger are provided.

Portion capsules are known in many variations, with particular portion capsules for receiving ground coffee for the production of espresso coffee are known. The basic advantage of such capsules is that they are gas-tight and keep the coffee powder fresh over a longer period of time. For brewing the coffee powder received in the capsule are so far mainly semi-automatic Espresso coffee machines used in which the capsule is inserted with the closure lid down in a capsule holder. The capsule holder is then manually attached to the coffee machine, wherein the coffee maker in the region of the portion holder attachment having a radial outlet openings for the passage of brewing water Brühdorn which pierces the bottom of the capsule when attaching the capsule holder to the coffee machine. The capsule holder in turn is provided at the bottom with a plurality of elevations arranged on a drain grate. These projections penetrate the lid of the capsule and break it as soon as brewing water is introduced into the sieve holder and the capsule is pressed by the hydraulic overpressure against these surveys. During the subsequent brewing process, the brewing water is introduced via the brooder into the capsule, so that it can flow through the coffee powder received therein under overpressure and can escape via the openings in the lid. The freshly brewed coffee beverage can drain off via the drain grate and exit on the underside of the filter holder via outlets. A coffee machine with such a device for the extraction of coffee powder contained in a capsule is known, for example, from EP 0 512 470.

The disadvantage of a spout provided with radial openings is that the brewing water outlet-relevant cross-section of the mandrel clogged by pollution relatively quickly. As causes for example coffee fat, coffee particles and lime in the brewing water can be cited. However, with increasing contamination of the brooder, the quality of the brewed coffee beverage also decreases. From a hydraulic point of view, a further problem of such broilers is that dead volumes occur within the capsule so that parts of the coffee powder are not or only insufficiently extracted from the brewing water.

A further disadvantage of said brooder is that it leaves behind in the capsule a relatively large piercing opening, via which, in particular after withdrawal of the brooder, leached coffee powder can escape, which ultimately can pollute the coffee maker. This problem occurs in particular when the Capsule is inserted into the coffee machine that the aufzustechende capsule rear portion extends vertically downwards, so that the leached coffee powder after pulling out of the mandrel by gravity can fall out of the capsule down.

From EP 0 521 188 a further device for the extraction of coffee powder contained in a capsule is known. In addition to a broiling mandrel for introducing the brewing water into the capsule, in a preferred embodiment of this device a water distribution grid is provided which has on its underside projecting elements for perforating the capsule top. The brewing water is distributed over the water distribution grid on the top of the capsule, and can penetrate into the interior of the capsule via the gap between the protruding elements and the capsule lid.

Furthermore, a generic portion pack is known from EP 0 512 468, which is also suitable for receiving ground coffee. The sachet composed of a composite material has no filter and weakened area, the bottom or lid being designed to rupture only under the effect of the pressure of the extraction fluid at the beginning of the extraction.

A fundamental disadvantage of the known portion packs is that a great effort must be operated on the machine side, so that the coffee powder received in the portion packs flows as evenly as possible through the brewing water and is completely extracted. In addition, in the case of portion packs which tear open only at the beginning of the extraction under the effect of the pressure of the extraction fluid, there is the danger that the capsule will not be torn open at all desired locations, so that the coffee powder will again be extracted only insufficiently. Another disadvantage is the fact that the perforation openings are partially undesirable large, which is not ideal for the inflowing brewing water by the brewing water only a low flow resistance is opposed and also there is a risk that over a too large opening coffee powder from the sachet can escape, which pollutes the coffee machine.

Based on the cited prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a portion capsule of the abovementioned type in which the extractable substance received therein is uniformly flowed through by water and extracted as well as possible.

According to the invention, a portion capsule is provided for this purpose, the features of which are specified in claim 1.

By providing at least one organ of the type mentioned, a uniform distribution of the water introduced for extracting the substance can be ensured on the respective side of the portion capsule, irrespective of the number and size of the piercing opening (s).

Preferred developments of the portion capsule are given in the dependent claims 2 to 13.

Preferably, on both sides of the substance, i. between the capsule bottom and the substance and between the capsule lid and the substance a distribution or. Collecting organ arranged for the water. Besides a uniform distribution of the water, this has the advantage that the substance is enclosed between these two organs in such a way that it can not escape via the piercing openings, even if they are relatively large.

The introduction of an organ between the capsule lid and the substance has the further advantage that hardly any particles of the substance can escape from the capsule after introduction of the distributor, which is positively noticeable, for example, when the capsule lid is welded, because the capsule rim is less affected by particles. " contaminated ".

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided to provide the respective organ with impressions directed against the capsule bottom or the capsule lid, so that free spaces for forming the liquid channels remain between the respective organ and the capsule bottom or the capsule lid. This training is particularly suitable for combining with a distribution or collection member which is arranged or designed such that one or more Aufstechmittel can be guided through the capsule bottom or the capsule lid, without thereby the distribution or collection organ is pierced , In a capsule formed in this way, the brewing water can be introduced into the capsule from outside via the piercing opening produced. By the respective organ is supported flat on the capsule bottom or capsule lid, as claimed in a preferred embodiment, it is also ensured that the fluid channels between the capsule lid and the distributor remain even when acting on the outside of the capsule pressure.

• Fig. 1 die Einzelteile der Portionenkapsel in einer Explosionsdarstellung;
• Fig. 2 einen Längsschnitt durch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Portionenkapsel;
• Fig. 3 einen Längsschnitt durch ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer Portionenkapsel;
• Fig. 4 einen Längsschnitt durch ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Portionenkapsel;
• Fig. 5 einen Längsschnitt durch ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Portionenkapsel;
• Fig. 6 einen Längsschnitt durch ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel einer Portionenkapsel, und
• Fig. 7 einen Querschnitt durch die Portionenkapsel entlang der Linie H-H in Fig. 6.

An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. In these drawings shows:

• Fig. 1 shows the individual parts of the portion capsule in an exploded view;
• 2 shows a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of a portion capsule.
• 3 shows a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a portion capsule.
• 4 shows a longitudinal section through a third embodiment of a portion capsule.
• 5 shows a longitudinal section through a fourth embodiment of a portion capsule.
• Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section through a fifth embodiment of a portion capsule, and
• 7 shows a cross section through the portion capsule along the line HH in FIG. 6.

Based on the exploded view of FIG. 1, the basic structure of the portion capsule is explained in detail. Although fundamentally different, extractable by water substances for making beverages can be included in such portion capsules, is hereinafter assumed from portion capsules, which are provided with coffee powder for the production of normal or espresso coffee. Seen from the bottom up, the portion capsule consists of a cup 1, a lower collecting element 2, an upper distributor 3 and a lid 4. The coffee powder to be taken up between the collecting element 2 and the distributor 3 in the cup 1 is not apparent from this illustration. Both the cup 1 and the lid 4 are made of a gas-tight multi-layer composite film. The collecting element 2 and the distributor 3 are formed substantially plate-shaped and preferably produced by deep drawing.

The upwardly conically slightly widening cup 1 is provided in the upper region with a circumferential shoulder 5, which forms an annular shoulder 5a on the inside, which serves to support the upper distributor element 3. On the top of the cup has a peripheral edge 6, on which the lid 4 is attached. The fastening of the lid 4 can be done for example by gluing or welding. The collecting element 2 has a plurality of circular ring segment shaped embossments 9, which rise in the form of elevations on the underside of the collecting element 2. When the collecting element 2 is inserted into the cup 1, the embossments 9 are at the bottom of the cup 1, so that between the embossings 9 and the cup bottom liquid channels 17 are formed, which extends radially outwardly from the symmetry axis and circularly about the axis of symmetry extend around. Outside the embossments 9 in the region of the liquid channels 17, the collecting element 2 is provided with a plurality of openings 8. In the center of the collecting element 2 a central, directed against the capsule interior recess 10 is arranged, which is conical. The flat central part of the collecting element 2 merges into a radius 11 in an upwardly curved edge 12. By this design, tilting of the collecting element 2 during insertion into the cup 1 is prevented.

The upper distributor 3 is formed substantially mirror-inverted to the lower collecting element 2. The distributor 3 also has a plurality of circular ring segment shaped embossments 13, which rise as elevations on the top of the collecting element 2. Through these embossings 13 3 liquid channels 18 are formed on the upper side of the distributor, which extend radially outwardly from the axis of symmetry and circularly about the axis of symmetry around. Outside of the embossments 13, in the region of the fluid channels 18, in turn, a plurality of openings 14 is provided. In the center of the distributor 3, a central, directed against the capsule interior recess 15 is arranged, which is conical. On the outside, the distributor 3 is provided with a peripheral edge 19, which is raised relative to the fluid channels 18 and whose upper side is substantially flush with the upper side of the coins 13.

When inserting the upper distributor member 3, this is supported with the downwardly directed web 16 on the peripheral shoulder 5a of the paragraph 5 of the cup 1 from. When introducing brewing water for brewing a coffee beverage acts the upper distributor 3 both as a filter as well as a water distribution member while the lower collecting member 2 also acts as a filter as well as a collecting member for the brewed coffee beverage.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through a finished portion capsule with coffee powder KP accommodated therein. The coffee powder KP is enclosed between the lower collecting element 2 and the upper distributor 3. As can be seen from this illustration, 2 liquid channels 17 are formed by the upstanding at the bottom 7 of the cup 1 embossings 9 of the collecting element. Likewise, through the embossings 13 in the distributor member 3, liquid channels 18 are formed between the distributor member 3 and the cover 4.

For piercing the portion capsule, piercing means 20, 21 are pushed through the lid 4 or the bottom 7 from above and below. The piercing means 20, 21 are guided in the region of the respective depression 10, 15 through the cover 4 or the bottom 7 in such a way that neither the upper distributing member 3 nor the lower collecting organ 2 is punctured by the piercing means 20, 21. Rather, the respective piercing means extends into the corresponding recess 10, 15. The brewing water for brewing the coffee powder received in the capsule is preferably introduced from the outside via the piercing opening, as described for example in EP 01 810 498. However, it is by no means imperative that the brewed coffee beverage is directed to a central piercing opening, but is important merely that the brewed coffee beverage flow through the provision of a collecting member 2 as unhindered as possible to the Aufstechöffnung or to the piercing openings and can escape from there from the capsule. In the present case it is assumed that the brewing water is passed from top to bottom through the capsule. However, it is readily possible to allow the brewing water to flow in the opposite direction, ie from bottom to top through the capsule, as indicated by the double arrow 22. Through the fluid channels 18, the introduced brewing water is distributed uniformly over the entire capsule cross-section. Via the openings 14 in the upper distributor 3, the brewing water enters the capsule interior, where it flows through the coffee powder KP. Via the openings 8 in the lower collecting member 2, the brewed beverage flows to the bottom of the collecting element 2 and flows through the liquid channels 17 formed on the bottom 7 of the cup 1 to a central Aufstechöffnung produced by Aufstechorgan 20, from where it can flow out of the capsule interior and is forwarded via funds not shown. By providing distributing or collecting organs 2, 3 designed in this way, it is ensured that the beverage particles received in the capsule are homogeneously flowed through by the brewing water and a uniform extraction of the entire coffee powder is achieved. In the case that the brewing water flows through the capsule at the bottom, the function of the distributor or collecting organ would reverse, in that the lower organ would act as a distributor and the upper as a collecting organ. In this sense, the term distributor or collecting organ is by no means to be understood as limiting. In any case, the embossings 9, 13 are distributed in such a way that the respective organ 2, 3 is supported flat on the capsule bottom 7 or capsule lid 4. This is particularly advantageous if, as in the present case, the brewing water is introduced into the capsule from the outside via the piercing opening. This planar support ensures that the free spaces 17a, 18a forming the fluid channels 17, 18 between the capsule cover 4 and the distributor 3 are maintained even when the pressure exerted on the capsule from the outside. Possibly. can be provided in the capsule interior also vertical partitions, which contribute to a uniform flow through the coffee powder and / or to a stable construction of the capsule.

The diameter of the openings 8, 14 embedded in the distributor or collecting element 2, 3 is preferably smaller than the statistical diameter of a single particle (coffee grain) for producing a beverage, preferably smaller than x-σ, where the arithmetic mean of the Diameter and under σ the standard deviation is to be understood. This will ensure that virtually no Particles escape from the capsule or flushed out, regardless of how large the piercing opening.

Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of a portion capsule, which is not completely filled with coffee powder KP. The lower distributor member 24 is so far away from the bottom 7 of the capsule by means of an auxiliary frame 25 that the coffee powder KP completely fills the space between the lower distributor member 24 and the upper collecting member 26. As a result, it can be prevented that the coffee powder KP is received obliquely in the capsule, with the result that the brewing water would not distribute evenly in the capsule and a kind of hydraulic short circuit would occur, whereby the coffee powder KP would not be extracted evenly. In this exemplary embodiment, the brewing water should be introduced into the capsule from the bottom 7, since the lower distributor 24 can not absorb any high hydraulic pressure forces acting in the direction of the capsule bottom 7.

Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a third embodiment of a portion capsule, wherein the capsule is again not completely filled with beverage powder. In this example, the upper distributor 29 is spaced from the lid 4 of the capsule by means of a frame 30 supported on the shoulder 5a and lid 4 so far that the coffee powder KP completely fills the space between the upper distributor 29 and the lower collector 28. The brewing water will be introduced into the capsule from the cover 4 in this embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows a similar to the embodiment of FIG. 4 formed capsule in which the upper collecting member 31 in turn spaced by a frame 32 far from the lid 4 of the capsule that the coffee powder KP the space between the lower distributor 34 and the upper collecting member 31 completely fills. However, the frame 32 is pressure-resistant in this case, by being provided with an annular inner part 33 and a plurality of vertical struts, so that the brewing water can be introduced from the bottom into the capsule, as indicated by the arrow. It is understood that the frame 32, 33 is not supported during the brewing process on the lid 4 of the capsule, but on elements of the coffee machine (not shown). Of course, the brewing water can also be from the other side, i. be guided by the lid 4 through the capsule.

Finally, FIG. 6 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a portion capsule, in which the lower collecting element 36 is supported by means of a pressure-resistant frame 35 on the bottom 7 of the capsule.

From Fig. 7, the frame according to FIG. 5 and 6 in a cross section along the line H-H in Fig. 6 is shown. In particular, the annular inner part 33 and the vertical struts 37 can be seen.

If the distribution or collection member, as shown in some of the preceding embodiments, is spaced from the bottom or lid, can be dispensed with a recess for receiving the piercing means, since the piercing means after piercing into the free space between the bottom or The cover and the distribution or collection organ can extend without puncturing the latter.

Instead of a central, cone-shaped recess for receiving a Aufstechorgans example, a circular ring extending, conical in cross section formed recess could be provided. A recess formed in this way would be suitable, for example, if a plurality of piercing means distributed on a circular path are provided. Instead of a cone-shaped depression, for example, a spherical or cuboid-shaped recess can be provided. In order to facilitate the piercing of the bottom or the lid by the piercing, the bottom or the lid with a weakening (not shown) can be provided. This weakening is designed so that the layer of the multilayer composite film which is gas-tight is not impaired.

• Durch das Verteilorgan findet über den gesamten Querschnitt der Portionenkapsel eine gleichmässige Brühwasserverteilung statt, so dass eine gleichmässige Extraktion des Kaffeepulvers gewährleistet ist. Dies ist auch bei nicht vollständig mit Kaffeepulver gefüllten Portionenkapseln der Fall;
• Das Austreten bzw. Ausschwemmen von Kaffeepartikeln wird weitgehend verhindert, was die Verschmutzung der Kaffeemaschine nachhaltig reduziert. Insofern ist auch die Grösse der Aufstechöffnung(en) von untergeordneter Bedeutung;
• Der Grösse der Aufstechöffnung(en) kommt auch im Hinblick auf die Durchlaufgeschwindigkeit keine entscheidende Bedeutung mehr zu, da dem Brühwasser, praktisch unabhängig von der Grösse der Aufstechöffnung(en), ein gleichmässiger Widerstand entgegengesetzt wird;
• Die Portionenkapseln gemäss den Fig. 2, 5 und 6 sind universell einsetzbar, indem das Brühwasser sowohl von oben nach unten wie auch in der entgegengesetzten Richtung durch die Portionenkapsel geleitet werden kann;
• Auf der Seite des Verteil- bzw. Sammelorgans braucht nur jeweils eine Aufstechöffnung vorgesehen zu werden;

With the previously shown variants of portion capsules, several advantages can be achieved:

• Through the distributor element, a uniform brewing water distribution takes place over the entire cross section of the portion capsule, so that a uniform extraction of the coffee powder is ensured. This is also the case when not completely filled with coffee powder portion capsules;
• The escape or flushing of coffee particles is largely prevented, which permanently reduces the contamination of the coffee machine. In this respect, the size of the piercing opening (s) of secondary importance;
• The size of the Aufstechöffnung (s) is also in terms of the passage speed no longer crucial, since the Brewing water, practically independent of the size of the piercing opening (s), a uniform resistance is opposed;
• The portion capsules according to FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 are universally usable in that the brewing water can be passed through the portion capsule both from top to bottom and in the opposite direction;
• On the side of the distribution or collection member only one Aufstechöffnung needs to be provided;

Claims (13)

1. Single portion cartridge comprising a particulate substance (KP) that can be extracted by means of water for the preparation of a beverage, and an element (2, 3) provided with a large number of openings (8, 14) being arranged between a cartridge base (7) and the substance (KP) and/or between a cartridge cover (4) and the substance (KP), characterized in that the respective element (2, 3) is provided with liquid channels (17, 18), formed by embossments (9, 13) in the plane in which the respective element (2, 3) extends, as a distribution element (3) for the water and as a collecting element (2) for the prepared beverage.
2. Single portion cartridge according to Claim 1, characterized in that the respective element (2, 3) is provided with embossments (9, 13) oriented towards the cartridge base (7) and the cartridge cover (4), so that, between the respective element (2, 3) and the cartridge base (7) and the cartridge cover (4), there remain free spaces (17a, 17b) to form the liquid channels (17, 18).
3. Single portion cartridge according to Claim 2, characterized in that the openings (8, 14) for leading the liquid through are arranged in the region of the liquid channels (17, 18).
4. Single portion cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embossments (9, 13) are arranged to be distributed such that the respective element (2, 3) is supported flat on the cartridge base (7) and cartridge cover (4).
5. Single portion cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, starting from the axis of symmetry, the liquid channels (17, 18) extend radially outwards and circularly around the axis of symmetry.
6. Single portion cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, the single portion cartridge being designed in such a way that it can be pierced by one or more piercing means, characterized in that the distribution or collecting element (2, 3) is arranged or formed in such a way that it cannot be pierced when the piercing means (20, 21) is or are led through the cartridge base (7) or the cartridge cover (4).
7. Single portion cartridge according to Claim 6, characterized in that the collecting element (2) and/or the distribution element (3) is/are formed with at least one depression (10, 15) which is oriented towards the interior of the cartridge, such that the piercing means (20, 21) is/are accommodated after piercing the base (7) or the cover (4).
8. Single portion cartridge according to Claim 6, characterized in that the collecting element (24) or the distribution element (29) is arranged in the interior of the cartridge at a distance from the base (7) and the cover (4).
9. Single portion cartridge according to Claim 7, characterized in that the depression (10, 15) is arranged centrally in the collecting element (2) or distribution element (3).
10. Single portion cartridge according to Claim 7 or 9, characterized in that the depression (10, 15) is conical, spherical or parallelepipedal.
11. Single portion cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the average diameter of a single opening (8, 14) is smaller than the statistical average of the diameter of a single particle of the substance to be extracted.
12. Single portion cartridge according to one of the preceding Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that a weakening is arranged in the base (7) and/or in the cover (4) such that the piercing means (20, 21) can be led through.
13. Single portion cartridge according to Claim 1, the single portion cartridge being designed in such a way that it can be pierced by one or more piercing means, characterized in that the distribution or collecting element (2, 3) is arranged between the cartridge base (7) and the extractable substance (KP) and between the cartridge cover (4) and the extractable substance (KP), the collecting element (2) and the distribution element (3) are each provided with at least one depression (10, 15) which in each case is arranged such that, after the base (7) or cover (4) has been pierced, at least the piercing means (20, 21) is accommodated without the distribution or collecting element (2, 3) being pierced.

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